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Each day many of us turn on the radio or television to catch the latest news about the ongoing global economic crisis. We stress over what the financial meltdown is doing to our 401Ks, our families and, possibly, our jobs. But are we aware of what our stress might be doing to those close to us who hear the news but cannot comprehend what it means.

As a psychotherapist of young children and adults, I am deeply concerned about the impact on the emotional and mental health of parents and children in this anxiety-provoking and uncertain economic environment.

I strongly encourage parents and financial heads of households to take extra care emotionally and physically now. Parents may find they are unable to provide the emotional support and reassurance to their children if they are overly anxious and cannot contain that anxiety. For parents wondering about how to talk about money and any impending changes to their lifestyle, I recommend to keep in mind the child's level of development as a guide for what to say and when. Younger children won't understand too much detail and may even feel overwhelmed. Use clear and simple language. A parent's job is to provide the support and containment and at the same time to set limits for their children.

In the coming weeks and months, I expect we will hear about increased rates in depression and even suicide. There is much we can do to address these problems if we keep talking about how to think about these events, what they mean to us, and how best to cope with the feelings of helplessness, anger and fear. No matter what your income or background, we really are in this together.

Tracye A. Polson, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.-C., Rockville

The writer is executive director of the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children.